"They changed my life for the worse and..."

I was admitted as an emergancy and remained in their 'care' for a week. What was in a bay with 3 elderly women (though I am not elderly). I felt sorry for these women, who were left for long periods of time whilst waiting for assistance. A lady who had suffered a stroke was given food she couldn't eat and was left in soiled bedding for long periods of time. They even left her with her nighty pulled up and no underwear on. she, like me, were treated with no dignity. I made the decision I would rather go off to dignitas rather than be vulnerable and left in the hands of others like these poeple. Alot of the nursing staff were nice enough, There just wasn't enough of them to cope with patients, especially at night and even worse on the weekends.

What could be improved

I was not invited to discuss anything. Doctors would talk amoungst themselves and treatment was doled out to me. An 'emergancy' lumbar puncture happened midway through my week long stay.The lead doctor gave the impression he would be conducting the procedure by marking my spine with his nail etc... only to realise that a complete stranger and inexperienced person had slipped in to my cubicle whilst my back was turned (and unable to move). I was so traumatised by what unfolded over the next 10-15 minutes I now suffer PTSD and bacame frightened of anyone comming near my back. I couldn't sleep after that and left the hospital at my first chance.) I was refused a request for a member of my family to be present for support (even though it was visiting time and everyone else in my bay had their family members in the room), but was promised counselling and received many verbal apologies.

Anything else?

I have complained to the hospital who have now said it is their policy not to allow patients to have support during a lumbar puncture despite the many time before verbally apologising that they did not allow me this request. * months later and they have reneged on their promise of counselling, stating they do not provide such a service (I now have a 14-14mnth wait) and sent me a blank recording of our 'local resolution' meeting. I have been informed this recording has been unfortunately destroyed. Ihey also state that a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is a "non-invasive procedure if positioned correctly."

So beware pateints, you may be trated like a piece of meat with no regard for your dignity or your right human rights. This experience has, and continues to have, a significant effect on my life.

The promises of how they seek to ensure patient satisfaction is a lie. I have stood in front of doctors in tears and they do not even stop to ask if I am ok or if anything is wrong/ why are you crying? (colerectal surgery) The doctors (rhuematology) still do not want to answer my questions (I am still suffering many symptoms from my inital hospitilisation).

Neurology have just given me an appointment for Dec 11. Not quite the 18 weeks promised as our legal right to be seen from referral. Same old, same old.

Responses

We were very sorry to read of your difficult experience whilst being a patient at Chase Farm Hospital. We were also sorry that you were not satisfied with our Complaints Procedure. If we can be of any further assistance please contact our PALS office on telephone number 020 8375 2378 or by email on chasefarmpals@bcf.nhs.uk